At dVerse Punam is hosting Poetics with an invitation to write about friendship I’m using a line from the poem Tug O’ War by Shel Silverstein as the opening line as that spoke to me.
dVerse Poets – Poetics – Friends In Blogosphere
I chose the line “I will not play at tug o’ war.”
Photo: cdn.idntimes.com
“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.” Walt Whitman
I Just Won't I will not play at tug o' war, but then, truly, friends don't. More to the point, I won't play as a matter of principle, even with those who seek my downfall, no one is ever declared a winner, all are stained by the muddying of meaning, all are gathered up in their own motives. Facts are never facts they are always someone else's lies, perceptions aren't truth, friends know this, friends hold ego lightly, forgiveness is the language of friends whose wholeness lies in unconditional love, and the art of sitting alongside. Copyright 2023 ©️Paul Vincent Cannon All Rights Reserved ®️
parallax 
Beautifully written Paul
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Thank you so much Sadje
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You’re most welcome
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A very wise decision!
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You’ve been there I think – you know it methinks.
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You would be right about that. 😉
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Hits the nail on the head, especially “forgiveness is the language of friends”.
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where would we be without forgiveness – doesn’t bear thinking about does it, thank you Sandy.
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My pleasure, Paul. Take care.
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Wise and generous sentiments 🙂
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Many thanks 🙂
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“all are stained by the muddying of meaning,” that is such a deep line. I love how you spun that line in the opposite direction and yet wrote beautifully what friends epitomize.
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Thank you very much for this Punam 🙂
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You are welcome, Paul. 🙂
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You have captured well what friends should be.
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Thank you for that Bjorn
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Love this line best: forgiveness is the language of friends.
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Thank you for this Grace.
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“Forgiveness is the language of friends.” Yes, we all have misunderstandings with our friends from time to time. Good advice to not participate in tug-of-war, Paul. ❤
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It’s the death of friendship I think Cheryl, frank “I” statements yes, but not endless arguing.
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Unconditional love is the key, Paul.
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Absolutely Kim 🙂
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I love this one.
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Thank you so much Rupali, that is a delight to hear.
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